Radio Silence

If you drop by this blog over the next couple of weeks and think it's been a while since it's been updated, have no fear, I haven't given up blogging. It's just that I'm off on holiday for a couple of weeks and won't have access to the Internet. So play nice while I'm away and remember, if you break anything you pay for it. ;-)

Butterbeer

It's not just the drink of wizards from the world of Harry Potter. As it turns out, Butterbeer is actually a genuine Tudor recipe and one that's perfect to bring a bit of seasonal cheer to any festive occasion.


If you would like to try brewing your own butterbeer, it's easier than you might think. Here's a recipe that includes ale among its ingredients. And here's a non-alcoholic version for the kiddies and teetotallers among the audience.

An update

We're over half way through 2009 now (where did the time go?) so I thought it an appropriate moment to give you an update on what you can see in print from me between now and Christmas.

First up there's Evolution Expects, my fourth Pax Britannia novel featuring dandy adventurer and agent of the crown, Ulysses Quicksilver. More steampunk action than you can shake a sword-cane at.


Then, in August, there's the timely release of The Official Doctor Who Annual 2010. I've contributed about a third of this and I'm excited to see how many puzzles and factual write-ups have turned out.


Demons: A Clash of Steel Anthology - this should also be out in August and features an original short story by myself entitled The Pact.


Stormslayer, my sixth Fighting Fantasy adventure gamebook, hits the shelves in September and it would be an understatement to say that I'm looking forward to how this one is received by the established fans and new readers alike.


The American edition of last year's Christmas offering What is Myrrh Anyway? is out around October/November time. It's being published by Skyhorse Publishing and it's called Christmas Miscellany: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Christmas. I've set up a new blog to accompany its release which you can access here.


And then, just in time for Christmas (if I pull my finger out) is Blood Royal, the fifth UQ PB adventure and the start of a new four-book story arc. You're not going to want to miss this one.

And then in the new year... well, let's just say, there's plenty more where that came from...

The blog of the book

Yes, as I have a new book coming out at the end of the year (the American edition of What is Myrrh Anyway?) I've got a new blog to support it.

You can find the Christmas Miscellany blog here and my brand new American Christmas Store here.

Happy... Fourth of July!

For anybody who has any connection whatsoever to the United States, today is Independence Day, commonly referred to by the phrase "Fourth of July". It is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain.



In the States (and anywhere ex-pat Americans gather in any number) Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.

So to all those Americans who follow this blog - Happy Fourth of July!

Christmas Miscellany cover

The final cover artwork for Christmas Miscellany: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Christmas* has been approved, and very festive it looks too.



You'll be able to pick up your full colour copy in time for Yule this year, ready to pop in someone's stocking on Christmas Day or just to enjoy yourself over a glass of mulled wine and a hot mince pie.

* The American edition of What is Myrrh Anyway? to be published this autumn by Skyhorse Publishing.

Summer Santa

Ever wondered what Santa gets up to at this time of year? Well wonder no more...